Electrolytic damage to the subfornical organ...

This study was developed based on the hypothesis that there is a relationship between the subfornical organ of rats (SFO) and saliva flow, protein and electrolyte content, blood pressure, and heart rate. Proposition: The objective of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between the subfornical organ (SOF) and saliva flow, protein and electrolyte content, blood pressure and heart rate in rats. Methodology: Twenty adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus var. albinus), weighing between 200 and 300 grams, were used to conduct the study, which involved progressive experimentation from phase 0 (F0) to phase III (FIII). The twenty animals underwent salivary stimulation (F0 and FI), followed by OSF cannulation - 'fictitious lesion' (FII) and subsequently by electrolyte lesion (FIII). The OSF lesion allowed us to investigate the participation of cell bodies and passing fibres present in the region regulating salivary secretion, salivary flow, protein and electrolyte content of saliva, and changes in cardiovascular patterns.